Heading south from Innamincka through the Strzelecki desert, the Bore Track combines narrow loose tracks across sand ridges with some wide gravel access roads. Beyond the boundary of Bollard’s Lagoon, permission is required, and a fee applies to all vehicles. Phone prior to travel.

Close to Innamincka, short side trips will take you to the lovely camping area of Cullyamurra Waterhole and Burke’s Grave. Camping permits are required.

Fee of $10 required to travel through Bollards Lagoon Station. Phone Grant or Gina on (08) 8091 3873.

While this is a short trek by Australian standards, visitors should be aware that this is a very remote region. A four wheel drive vehicle is required due to sand ridges and clay pans that while mostly easy going in a four wheel drive, can be difficult to traverse at various times. The Bore Track is an oil exploration track in the North, and a private access track for a cattle station in the South. Please respect the owners by requesting permission to traverse. Phone Grant or Gina at Bollard’s Lagoon before travelling.

A four-wheel drive vehicle is required, and you should carry sufficient water for several days use, at least one spare tyre AND tyre repair equipment, as well as sufficient fuel.

This is remote area travelling and preparations for travel should take this into consideration. If your vehicle breaks down or you have some other trouble, stay with your vehicle.

PUBLIC NOTICE
Tyre and Mechanical services at Innamincka will be opened by local John Osborne for approx 1 hour first thing in the morning daily. This is for tyre enquiries only and is from Monday 18th Feb 2008 until approx 18th April 2008. Services that will be available from April onwards will be advised later.

Along the Bore Track, the land is composed of mainly red sand ridges with whitewood, mulga, sandhill wattle, sandhill canegrass and interdune flats with variable soils and vegetation.

During the summer months the temperatures may reach 45 to 50 degrees C. Travel in the region between October and March is not recommended due to high temperatures.

Aboriginal

The Yandruwandha people occupied the area from Cooper Creek to Gidgealpa and south to Bollards Lagoon. Aboriginal people no longer live in the area except in the nearby towns. Traditional knowledge of the land and its stories have been lost following the death due to introduced diseases, and relocation of aboriginal people during the 1900’s. There are no initiated members of the Yandruwandha alive today, but descendents maintain and look after significant sites.

European Exploration

Charles Sturt was the first European in the area. He travelled up Strzelecki Creek to the desert that now bears his name, in 1845. Augustus Gregory crossed Cooper Creek in 1858 whilst looking for the explore Leichhardt, and Bourke and Wills famously perished at sites near Innamincka and Cooper Creek in Cooper Creek in 1861.

Innamincka

Around 1872, Innamincka consisted of a few huts. In 1892 the township was surveyed and named Hopetoun, but local discontent had the name changed to Innamincka. In 1929 the Australian Inland Mission opened the Elizabeth Symons Nursing Home, which is now the National parks office.

The Bore Track

This track owes its existence to oil and gas exploration which began in the 1950’s.